South Africa Airline & Travel Information
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A Travel Guide to Daman and Diu
Daman & Diu is the second smallest union territory of India (after Goa), this destination is located on the west coast of India. They are basically twin islands which were under the control of the Portuguese for over a time period of 450 years until the Indian Independence and were declared as the part of the Indian republic on December 19, 1961. Known for its natural grandeur, Daman & Diu is a famous weekend getaway for the local people of nearby locations. These islands are dotted with massive forts, wonderful cathedrals, and many other remarkable monuments which convey the subtle old world charisma of its colonial era. Read on to know more about Daman and Diu:
Best Time to Visit: Daman and Diu is twin island destination and therefore, enjoys pleasant climate throughout the year. During summers, the cool breeze coming from over the Arabian Sea while winters can be a bit cold. Thus, the best time to visit Daman and Diu is from the beginning of October to the end of May.
How to Reach: Daman and Diu can easily be reached from both Maharashtra and Gujarat. By Air: Diu Airport is the main air link to Daman and Diu. The Airport is just 5 KM away from the town north of Nagoa Beach. Various major airlines operate regular flights to and from Mumbai & various cities of Gujarat. By Rail: The nearest railhead to Daman and Diu is Vapi which is about 10 KM away. Apart from nearest railway station to Diu is Delwada, which is about 9 KM away and is linked by Veraval port town by the meter gauge line. By Road: Daman and Diu is linked by National Highway No 8 of India which connects it to Ahmedabad (367 KM), Mumbai (193 KM) and Vadodara (300 KM).
Accommodation Options: Whether it is your first visit to Daman and Diu or you visit this beautiful destination frequently, finding a good accommodation here is not at all a tedious task. Be it a leisure travel, business or holiday, the hotels in Daman and Diu has all kind of travelers as it has a wide range of guest houses, hotels, and luxury beach resorts. A few popular three star hotels of Daman and Diu are Silver Sands Beach Resort, Sea View Hotel, Radhika Beach Resort and Azzaro Resort and spa. All of the hotels, resorts and guest houses offer stay in both A/C and without A/C. However, the cost may vary from Rs. Rs. 500 to Rs 4,000 per day or more than that.
Some of the popular tourist attractions of Daman & Diu which you must visit are Fort of St. Jerome, Devka Beach, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Zampa Gateway, Jallandhar, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Gangeshwar Temple, Gomptimata temple, Nagoa Beach, Jama Masjid. In addition, you may also pay a visit to the stately Light House, the Gandhi Park and the amusement park that are located at Daman jetty. Besides all, enjoy water sports on the beaches of Daman and Diu. Visit Tripmos.com to explore exciting holiday destination and packages of India.
Pros And Cons Of Travel Insurance
Any time you plan to travel, whether in-state or internationally, debating the question of whether or not you should opt in for travel insurance may arise. Travel insurance is a way to protect your investment in airfare and other plans you have already paid for in some cases. Understanding both the pros and cons of travel insurance is a way for you to determine whether or not the investment is right for you during your next trip. Using a travel insurance comparison guide online is also a way to review all of the options you have available for purchase during the trip you are planning to book.
The Pros of Purchasing Travel Insurance
The most basic travel insurance policies provide medical coverage and transport back to your origin country if you have traveled internationally for business or personal reasons. There are also policies that provide protection against trip cancellation, possible casualties during an accident and even lost baggage claims depending on the type of travel insurance you have selected and paid for prior to departure.
Before Purchasing Travel Insurance for You and Your Loved Ones
Before you purchase travel insurance for any trip you have planned, it is essential to consider the destination you are visiting, what activities you have in mind as well as the time of year and weather when you are scheduling your trip. Additionally, keep in mind your health and the overall health of anyone traveling with you along with medications that you require regardless of your location.
Cons of Travel Insurance
It is essential to read any contract or terms and conditions you are presented with before agreeing to the type of travel insurance you pay for to cover your trip. Although contracts with travel agencies are often lengthy and wordy, reviewing them can ultimately benefit you more in case of a cancellation or if you truly need to put the insurance to use for any reason.
There are some items that travel insurance will not cover for any reason, including an outbreak of war or pre-existing medical conditions. If you change your mind to fly or travel for personal reasons, the travel insurance can often be deemed as invalid and cannot be refunded. If you have a self-induced illness or if your items and personal belongings have been damaged during customs, this is also not covered by any travel insurance policies you have taken out.
Finding a Travel Insurance Policy That is Right for You
Finding the right travel insurance policy for you and your family should be done after determining your needs in terms of protection as well as the budget you have available to invest in the policy. Some policies may provide you with emergency transportation including ambulances and helicopters, although you may also need to pay upfront and may not be guaranteed a refund based on your policy’s own terms and conditions and contractual agreement. In order to be treated for an illness or diseases that was once pre-existing, many travel insurance plans require you to have been symptom-free for a specific length of time depending on the type of insuranceyou have purchased. Reviewing all insurance plans for travel thoroughly before selecting one can ensure you are getting the best healthcare possible for the budget you have available.
Knowing the pros and cons of travel insurance is one way to make an informed decision the next time you are planning and booking flights, airfare and even car rentals. The more you research available travel insurance plans and policies, the more likely you are to find coverage that is right for you and anyone you plan to travel with during your next trip or vacation.
Featured images:
License: Royalty Free or iStock source: www.123rf.com
License: Royalty Free or iStock source: www.123rf.com
About Author: Kevin Devoto is an avid outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer. He enjoys writing about sustainability, eco friendly behaviors and local travel. He has traveled all over the world but has taken a particular interest in our great National Parks.
5 Travel Tips You Just Can’t Do Without
The internet surely abounds with all kinds of advice and tips that will help you to get the best out of your travel.
Here are the five best tips that will make sure that you are able to have a whole lot of fun on your travel and at the same time not have to lose money.
The first thing is to make sure that you are getting the right kind of conversion rate for the money that you are exchanging. A good idea is to look up the various rates that are on offer. Having said this, the best bet is to withdraw money from an ATM as you go. This is the place wherein you are not only going to get the best rates for sure but also you will not have to withdraw large chunks of money and carry them around. There is surely no airport in the world that does not have an ATM. This will also be able to allow you to have enough money in your pockets to take yourself on the Pub Crawl London.
The next tip is to eat Local. This will serve two purposes as it will give you an opportunity to taste the local cuisine and also this kind of food is cheap. This will help you to save up on a lot of money on food. Money that you can use to go on a shoreditch bar trip.
The next tip to keep in mind is the cost of transportation. In fact, you will be surprised about how much transportation can cost you and eat into your overall trip budget. Traveling costs money and especially so in a new place where you don’t know the shortest routes and roads. A good way to save money is to avoid moving back and forth and going around in circles. You can easily do this by visiting the places that are close by first and also by moving in a straight line. When you take yourself on the Pub Crawl London make certain that transportation is a part of the deal. The best thing is to club in transportation with the shoreditch bar trip so that you don’t end up paying more. Get yourself out of the hotel in the morning and only return late at night so that you are not spending on going to and fro unnecessarily.
The next thing for you to do is to couch surf the internet and find out all that you can about the place. Take the free city toursthat exist and all you need to do is to ask at your hotel. They do exist in all major cities of the world and will enable you to see the whole of the city and all its attractions in one go. This is a real great way to take in the history of the place and to learn more without spending any money. At the end of the free tour you can ask them to drop you off at the nearest Pub Crawl London. This way you will save further and still be able to go on the shoreditch bar trip. You will be mightily surprised at the end of the trip at how much you will end up saving and yet be able to see the entire place.
Featured images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
Michelle Rodriguez has lived in London all her life and loves all that the city has to offer. She wants to inform her readers about all that is on offer in London including the best of entertainment.
How To Actually Enjoy A Long-haul Flight
If you ask anyone who is a frequent long-haul flyer what is the best way to make the most of your time in the air, they will all give you a different answer. The fact of the matter is that whatever works for you is the best policy however, if you’re not used to long-haul then you may not have the chance to learn from your mistakes prior to taking your next trip.
The advice given below is the culmination of many years of experience and if you’re heading off on your holidays any time soon then just following a couple of the points will no doubt stand you in good stead for when you arrive at your final destination.
Minimal hand luggage
First and foremost when undertaking a long-haul flight – don’t get bogged down with too much stuff. Just keep your belongings in a small over-the-shoulder bag with essential items, such as: books, ear plugs and head phones close to the top or in an outer pocket. No more struggling with overhead lockers and bulky bags for you, simply stow under your seat and then sit back and relax.
Wax ear plugs
Without doubt, ear plugs that are made from wax are definitely the way forward if you’re planning on getting any peace and quiet on any long-haul flight. Wax plugs fit to the shape of your inner-ear and can be easily removed and replaced without too much bother. Much better than the polystyrene equivalent, inexpensive and small enough to put in your pocket.
Research
When on-board it’s a great idea to find out more about the country or city that you’re visiting. In this way you can really hit the ground running as from learning new words and phraseology to getting excited about what you’re going to visit; doing your research in the air will make your flight all the more meaningful. Top tip: ask a steward or stewardess for their advice on what to see and do upon landing.
Get cosy
It’s up to you whether you want to shut your eyes and dream away the flight but if you want to really do it properly then you certainly shouldn’t rely on air plane blankets and pillows to help you out. Bring your own pillow case, favourite socks or slippers and a change of clothes (pyjamas if you’re brave enough) and build yourself a little nest where you can get all cosy in the air.
Don’t over indulge
To some, the prospect of ‘free’ in-flight food and drink is seen as a green light to eat as much as humanely possible however, if you want to avoid feeling bloated and arriving with a hang-over or worse, then the best thing to do is avoid alcohol, drink plenty of water and only eat the bare minimum. Arriving hungry isn’t a bad thing and means that your body has been working whilst you’ve been inactive.
Keep to a routine
If you know how long your flight is going to take then you can start to plan your journey in advance and sticking to a routine is definitely the best policy if you’re hoping to arrive rested and revived as opposed to bored and restless. Planning by the hour or every couple of hours is a great idea and having plenty of things to look forward to keeps your mind occupied as you tick off your activities as you fly through the clouds.
Exercise your mind, body and soul
Get up and walk about or undertake some simple stretching exercises that can be performed in your seat – whichever way you want to keep your body active, building exercise into your in-flight plan is certainly best advice. Also, don’t forget to work your mind too as from meditative music to reading about the history of the country that you’re visiting, ensuring that your entire being is taken care of will ensure your flight is as useful as it will be enjoyable.
Follow local timings
Finally, anyone who’s undertaken more than one long-haul flight will tell you that the key to avoiding jet-lag is to set your phone, watch or lap-top to local time from the moment that you step foot on the plane. For example: if you’re going with Trek America Alaska then you’ll need to put your watch back 9 hours or if you’re heading Down Under to Australia then you’re going to need to jump 11 hours in advance. Whatever the time difference of your chosen destination you should follow what the locals do from the moment you arrive i.e. sleep if it’s the night and do your best to stay awake if you touch down in the daytime.
Chris has been on numerous long-haul flights to America, Australia and Asia so has a rough idea what he’s talking about although throwing a couple of kids into the mix can mess up the best laid plans of any frequent long-haul flyer!
South Africa Travel Safety Tips
2 months ago
Like any country in the modern world, safety in South Africa can be increased by preparing properly, knowing what to look out for,
South African Police Service Special Task Force (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
and taking the appropriate actions before you travel and once you arrive. Crime is no worse in South Africa than anywhere else in the world, and if you take the proper precautions you should be assured of a safe and enjoyable trip.
Once again our friends at SouthAfrica.Info have some excellent advice on keeping safe when travelling to South Africa. Here is what they have to say, along with links to some outstanding resources:
Know where you’re going before you set off, particularly at night, watch your possessions, don’t walk alone in dodgy areas, lock your doors at night.
And, like anywhere else, there are some areas of the major cities that are known to be more risky than others. It is easy to avoid these and still have a good time.
If you cannot avoid such areas, then don’t wear visible jewellery or carry cameras and bags over your shoulder. Limit the amount of money you carry on you and keep mobile phones and wallets tucked away where no one can see them.
Check beforehand that the areas you plan to visit are safe by asking hotel staff or police.
Other sensible advice is not to hitchhike, or don’t accept or carry items for strangers.
Vehicle safety
When driving a private vehicle, either borrowed or hired, take some simple precautions to avoid car hijackings or “smash-and-grabs”.
As a driver, be on the alert when coming to a halt at traffic lights or stop streets, as well as when arriving at or leaving any premises. Car doors should always be locked, and valuables are better kept in the boot or under the seats.
Plan your route beforehand. Make sure the map you consult is a current one.
When parking at night, choose well-lit or security-patrolled parking areas. Street security guards will usually ask whether they can watch over your car, and in return should be paid a small fee – anything from R5 upwards.
Only use reputable tour operators and travel and transport services. If you’re not sure, ask your hotel to recommend a service provider for you or contact the National Tourism Information and Safety Line on 083 123 2345.
ATM safety
When using automatic teller machines (ATMs) in South Africa, practice the generally accepted safety precautions you would employ when at home.
Never accept an offer from a stranger to help you with your transaction. Be alert and watch that no one steals your card when you turn your back.
If your ATM card is withheld by the machine, approach the bank to release it, or call the helpline number that can be found at the ATM.
When using a credit card in restaurants, ask the waiter to bring a portable credit card machine to your table. Report stolen or lost cards immediately.
Hotel safety
Never leave your luggage and other possessions unattended. Know where your things are.
Remember to store valuables in the safety deposit box and keep your room locked at all times.
Don’t leave your room keys lying around; rather hand the key in at the desk when you leave.
Emergencies
Dial 10111 from a landline for the police and briefly explain what happened. This call is free from any phone box or landline. If you are using a cellular phone dial 112 and your call will be transferred to the appropriate emergency service.
If you’re in your hotel room, contact the emergency number provided or the front desk.
For further assistance, contact the National Tourism Information and Safety Line on 083 123 2345.
Lost passports
It’s a good idea to travel with certified photocopies of your valuable documents, keeping the originals in a safe place.
If you lose your passport, report the loss as soon as possible to the South African Police Service, as well as to your country’s embassy or consulate in South Africa (alphabetical country listing):
- A /
- B /
- C /
- D /
- E /
- F /
- G /
- H /
- I /
- J /
- K /
- L /
- M /
- N /
- O /
- P /
- Q /
- R /
- S /
- T /
- U /
- V /
- Y /
- Z
Read more: http://www.southafrica.info/travel/advice/crime.htm#.Uma_nVOd4o8#ixzz2iaDcCFS3
OK, there you have some excellent information that we hope you will find helpful. We hope you enjoy your time in South Africa.
